Hi all,

I have only just found this forum and what a goldmine of information it is.

I have a case of DC/DD where my left little finger is curled up to about 40 degrees, a band formed through approx. 5 cm below that finger and another band begining to form in the palm below the long finger. Clearly this is going to descend into something much nastier.

My problem is how to find someone, here in Melbourne, with whom to consult. I am not comfortable with a referral via my G.P. which is more than likely a name simply extracted from a list in some book.

I have looked far and wide and cannot find any local surgeon on the net who is recognised in this area.

Is there a contibutor/s who might like to tell me of their own recommendations?

Thanks,

Ray.

G'day Ray,

I have, last week, had my left hand operated upon by Dr. Chris Coombs, to fix five contractures. Splint came off today. Looks OK. Some Physiotherapy now required to free up the ligaments as the wounds heal and the swelling subsides.

Operation was done at Linacre, during day surgery.

Dr. Coombs is at 883 Hampton Street, Brighton,
Tel No. 9591 0714

have a look at the "needle aponeurotomy in Australia" thread. The name of a doctor in Mornington is mentioned.

Ray and others,
I have now had about five years of exciting experiences.
Two trips to Paris in 2002 and 2003. I now love the place and am dying to get back again. Fortunately I still have one finger to be treated. The two previous treatments with Dr Badois, who speaks good English, were successful. the treatment however, is not a cure, but wonderful as a way of getting full movement back for a couple of years at least, which is worth it. I have finally had one hand done with surgery, following a quite extensive broadening of the swelling on one finger; very annoying when holding something like a shovel! This surgery was successful and will probably not need doing again, ever. The other hand which has had one Paris treatment is needing a needle treatment again- not surgery yet. It will be worthwhile getting full movement back in that finger for a couple more years at least.
So, the Paris treatment is worthwhile and the full surgery, more so, but at the appropiate time.
The surgeon here, in Canberra also said he would do the apondvectomy, but with a scalpel, not a needle. He believes it to be a safer method than a needle (though nerve damage, I understand, is rare).
Hope this is helpful.